Published: October 25, 2007 10:40 am      

Cargill responds to Quran furor

EDMOND — House Speaker Lance Cargill, R-Harrah, said he will present the Governor’s Ethnic American Advisory Council with a copy of the Bible in response to a number of legislators who have refused to accept copies of the Quran from the same group.

“While the majority of Americans are Christians, the Constitution clearly protects people’s right to practice their faith and distribute religious literature. What’s sad is that so often when the situation is reversed,” Cargill said.

About 25 members of the Oklahoma Legislature have declined to accept copies of the Quran from the group.

“Islamic governments persecute and torture Christians who attempt to practice and spread their faith,” Cargill said. “As much as I support this group’s right to distribute a religious text to willing recipients, I hope they will join me in condemning those countries that don’t grant the same freedoms to Christians.”

Cargill said as a gesture of good will, he will present the Governor’s Ethnic American Advisory Council members with a copy of the Centennial edition of the Holy Bible that was given to lawmakers earlier this year.

State Rep. Rex Duncan, R-Sand Springs, wrote other legislators in objecting to being sent a “Centennial” copy of the Quran, compliments of the Governor’s Ethnic American Advisory Council.

Duncan told his fellow legislators Monday that he is refusing a copy of the Quran because, “Most Oklahomans do not endorse the idea of killing innocent women and children in the name of ideology.”